Chocolate Macarons

French-style macarons-a mixture of egg whites and ground almonds sandwiched together with a flavoured filling-are among the most decadent of desserts. Test your cooking skills with this delicious chocolate macarons recipe.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the almond meal, icing sugar and cocoa on low speed until combined. Pass the mixture through a sieve onto baking paper.

Whisk eggwhites until foamy. While beating, gradually add the caster sugar and beat until soft peaks form and the sugar is dissolved. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the almond mixture into the eggwhites, one-third at a time.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until puffed, firm to touch and crusted a little. Cool for 10–15 minutes on the trays, then transfer to wire racks.

For the filling, bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add the chocolate and stand 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let stand at room temperature or chill for 10 minutes until the mixture is spreadable. Sandwich cooled macarons together with the filling.